“For the first time in our history, Americans have to be fearful of what they say, of what they write, and of what they think. They have to be afraid of using the wrong word, a word denounced as offensive or insensitive, or racist, sexist, or homophobic” says author and analyst William S. Lind. During last Christmas season I was closely paying attention to how people greet each other. Most of them said “Happy Holidays” on the streets, schools and malls, but what shocked me most was when someone wished me Happy Holidays inside a church building. Well, obviously I did not say anything to the person at that point but since then I have been thinking of how our attempt to be politically correct has gradually crippled the people of faith.
Did you know that a Professor at Harvard was forced to drop a course because he used the term “Indian” instead of “Native American”? During the Persian Gulf War, officials at the University of Maryland asked students not to hang American flags or pro-war banners from their dorm windows because they were told “This is a very diverse community, and what may be innocent to one person may be insulting to another.” Using names like Indians, Braves, and Warriors, for athletic teams is insensitive. Oh by the way here is the most interesting one for me, it is now being taught in many colleges that Freshmen cannot be called freshmen, because that has “gender specific” connotations. They must now be called “new students.” Hmmm…really?
In fact here in America many of us have become so paranoid that we are literally forced to think twice before we say anything to anyone because we are afraid of the remote possibility of somebody being offended somehow.
I would like to recognize that throughout human history there were many words that were used with negative connotations, often they were insensitive and hurtful. I am glad we came a long way from a time when we often judged people by their color and caste. However in the recent years I feel we have gone too far in modifying our vocabulary or policing the list of acceptable words. In fact here in America many of us have become so paranoid that we are literally forced to think twice before we say anything to anyone because we are afraid of the remote possibility of somebody being offended somehow. It’s funny how we are taught to embrace other faiths, religions and lifestyles but are quick to censor if a Christian says anything that is remotely religious. Political correctness is nothing but selective censorship, at its core; it is intimidation and is designed to destroy Western culture and Christian faith.
Political correctness is nothing but selective censorship, at its core; it is intimidation and is designed to destroy Western culture and Christian faith.
George MacDonald says “The two pillars of ‘political correctness’ are: a) willful ignorance, b) a steadfast refusal to face the truth” It is funny how the people who emphasize political correctness harass, persecute and condemn many in trying to protect a group of minority from being harassed. The irony of this ideology is that their doctrine of tolerance is only extended towards those who agree with them, their true colors are not seen until someone stands up and challenges their position. As a child of God I am all for protecting people who are being mistreated or abused but when the media, the academia, and the leaders are promoting lifestyles that are sinful in the name of political correctness, I guess it is time for us to take a clear stand. Here is a warning from the prophet Isaiah “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5: 20-21.
The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr in his devotion “Jesus isn’t politically correct” writes “For over a decade, the nation has been embroiled in an attitude of “political correctness,” as people are being told that they should never do or say anything that might offend someone. It even has gotten to the point that telling the truth has to be modified in order to avoid offending those who are in the wrong, unless, it seems they’re not a favored grouping of people. It’s a strange, dichotomous mess….It seems that the only group the media and the intelligentsia of the nation are willing to allow to be offended are those who claim a relationship with Jesus Christ…Sharing the Gospel doesn’t win points for “political correctness” in a world that decries God’s will and purpose for His Creation. While causing offense isn’t something Christians seek to do in their lives, it’s nevertheless inevitable if we live a life of faith and witness to Jesus Christ.”
Mike Scruggs in his article “The Poison of Political Correctness” says “America is threatened by political correctness in several ways. First, it is undermining free speech and clear thinking. It is a disease that leads to moral and intellectual blindness and a totalitarian society.” William S. Lind writes “America today is in the throws of the greatest and direst transformation in its history. We are becoming an ideological state, a country with an official state ideology enforced by the power of the state…It’s exactly what we have seen happen in Russia, in Germany, in Italy, in China, and now it’s coming here. And we don’t recognize it because we call it Political Correctness and laugh it off. My message today is that it’s not funny, it’s here, it’s growing and it will eventually destroy, as it seeks to destroy, everything that we have ever defined as our freedom and our culture.” It’s time for followers of Christ to truly follow Christ in graciously speak the truth in love and not fall into the trap of political correctness.
greatest and direst transformation in its history. We are becoming an ideological state, a country with an official state ideology enforced by the power of the state.
– – Author: Rev. Francis Burgula – –
